Welcome, Guest.
The Collector Zone is a free community for trading card collectors - both sports and non-sports. There are forums for all of the major sports, non-sports, autographs and other hobby-related information. In addition, there are areas to trade, buy and sell with other collectors. Our members have now completed over 48,125 collector-to-collector transactions using our easy-to-use Transaction Manager.

With over 30,500 collectors and over 2,750,000 posts, there's plenty of ways to get involved with the other members - either in discussions or with trading. So, are you ready to join and start meeting other collectors?

It's true, I of all people am stepping away from this great hobby. First I will say, this is not easy for me to even say and I still have to follow through with it. My love for this hobby is still as strong as ever, I know this process is going to hurt. I started collecting long ago when an uncle of mine owned a card shop in my local town. I have been involved in this hobby for the majority of my life, so actually going through with this is like losing a part of myself. I have never been in this hobby as a financial investment. It's always been done as another way to enjoy a sport and players I enjoy.

So you're probably asking why, why would he be leaving something he still loves and enjoyes so much? That answer can be a bit complicated or very simple, depending on how you look at it. For the past year or so I've have this thought in the back of my mind; "These cards don't matter in the bigger picture of life" and the question, "Do I value these cards more than I do the things much more important?"

At one point, I asked my wife "Do you see my card collecting as a bad thing?" and she said "No, I know you enjoy it and I see nothing wrong with it" Hearing that from here suppressed some of my feelings many months ago. Knowing that I enjoy it so much and knowing how much a part of my life it is, I continued.

Eventually, those thoughts crept back into my mind, almost to a point of conviction. Then came a clear confirmation this past Friday... I was listening to an interview between David Platt and Katie Davis (I'll explain who they are in a minute), by the end of it, the only thought I had was "I have to sell my collection, period."

If you don't know, I am a Christian, I admittedly haven't always been the best example of that throughout my time here but that is where my belief resides. With that in mind, over the past couple years, I, like many non-Christians as well, have grown very skeptical and uncomfortable with the "American Church". Now, all that is for another discussion... However, it was because of those feelings that I really began to seek out truth and tried to understand what the biblical Gospel really is (I'm still learning). In my quest, the more I learned, the more I felt it needed to change on my life. What good is it for me to learn and better understand things and not live a life that reflects that understanding?

So what does that have to do with card collecting? I see nothing inherently wrong with being involved in this hobby, not one bit. No part of me feels like card collecting is a "sin", don't think that's what I'm getting at here. With me, heres my issue... I have let this hobby get to such a place in my life where I value it more so than I do much more important things, even God. When something gets to that point in a Christians life, it's an idol, and that can't be. Another part of this is about Jesus' teachings on living a "simple" life and having a heart for giving. As I began to understand that more, I realized that all I'm doing is accumulating stuff, that's all it is, stuff. I finally realized that I struggle between how much I valued this hobby in my life, compared to how much I valued God. That is why I have to get out and why I have such a strong conviction to do so.

If you're a fellow believer in Christ, I don't know how this hits you. I am not saying you're wrong or doing anything against God for being involved in this hobby. If it's in a place in your life where you have a healthy control over it and it doesn't out-value God in your life, I see nothing wrong with it. What I will say is that, if you were asked to give this or anything for that matter, up for the sake of your faith, could you? If we have the same reaction as the "rich man" did when Jesus told him to sell all he had and then come follow him and we struggle with making that choice...then we know there's a problem. And that's where I am. I said it at the beginning of the post, walking away from this hobby is going to be painful. However, I know once I walk through this, It's going to be worth it when I come out on the other side.

Could I come back to this hobby one day? I can't answer that at this moment.

I told you earlier, I'd explain who these two people are... David Platt is the pastor of Brook Hills Church in Birmingham, AL and Katie Davis is a 23-24 year old woman from Nashville, TN who now lives in Uganda running an organization called Amazima. Platt is a man who has set out to turn the "American Church" upside down, or rather, right side up. I admire what God is doing through him and his life. Katie Davis has gone against the cultural norm, her parents desires and followed the instructions she felt God placed on her life. It's a truly amazing story and she is doing great things in the country of Uganda.

For this, I am not selling my collection as a means to gain the monetary value from it. The majority of what I bring in is going to be donated directly to Katie's organization, Amazima.

I must say that I'm absolutely, positively, 100% SHOCKED to hear this! That said, I know you cannot argue with faith. As much as it stuns me to see you leaving the hobby, I'm glad you're leaving for the reason you're leaving.

We will be here if you ever change your mind.

Now, if you have any '10 Classics or Cowboys I might be interested. Just shoot me a list of what you have, along with prices.

I loathe hearing stories of folks getting out of this hobby.Yours is even more distressing.

I can not, and will not, criticize your decision, nor yourmotivations (although that'd be an easy target for aHeathen like me).

Just remember, the part that the hobby played in yourlife and the fact that your decision is, indeed, reversible.

No more preachin' (not my bag o' tricks). Live well withyour epiphany and I'll be the first to welcome you backif you decide that this wasn't a good call.

Your collections and posts are an everlasting monumentto your commitment and lust for the hobby. Be proud,you have done well.

I stated earlier, no more preachin', so I'll quit now.

Contemplate Hard!,RGBII

Thanks Richard. We all got some heathen in us... Lord knows I do! I respect your side on this and thank you for being kind towards me. I've put a lot of time and effort...and money into what I have built up. Every time I pull up my photobucket to give people the link, it's tough to think that I'm really doing this. But in the end, I just have to remember, it's just stuff, unnecessary stuff in the grand scheme of life. The opportunity to give to a respectable cause where I know these dollars will be spent towards the benefit of orphans and poverty stricken families means so much more than these cards sitting in my closet.

I must say that I'm absolutely, positively, 100% SHOCKED to hear this! That said, I know you cannot argue with faith. As much as it stuns me to see you leaving the hobby, I'm glad you're leaving for the reason you're leaving.

We will be here if you ever change your mind.

Now, if you have any '10 Classics or Cowboys I might be interested. Just shoot me a list of what you have, along with prices.

Me too! Thank you for your comments though. I'm pretty sure I don't have in 2010 Classics but I'll see what I have in the way of Cowboys.

Gary, I know how you feel in many ways. I too have taken a long break from the hobby and thought many of the same things u have. It was just taking to much of my time and money and for what? I cant even answer that to this day but i know once i left the hobby i have gotten much more of a "life". I hope no one takes that personally, but just as a teenager and young adult i realized their are some more important things TO ME. I still have many cards as well that i havent really decided what to do with yet but i am sure one day i will get an idea. Good luck in your ventures and as i like to think, it always works out in the end

with that being said, if you have any stafford or calvin autographs i would love to buy them off you for the cause. Lmk a price. Thank you!

Gary, I know how you feel in many ways. I too have taken a long break from the hobby and thought many of the same things u have. It was just taking to much of my time and money and for what? I cant even answer that to this day but i know once i left the hobby i have gotten much more of a "life". I hope no one takes that personally, but just as a teenager and young adult i realized their are some more important things TO ME. I still have many cards as well that i havent really decided what to do with yet but i am sure one day i will get an idea. Good luck in your ventures and as i like to think, it always works out in the end

with that being said, if you have any stafford or calvin autographs i would love to buy them off you for the cause. Lmk a price. Thank you!

Thank you for the affirmation. I can't say that someone who is involved in something they love doesn't have a life though. Obviously, you feel differently about your life but that can't be assumed for others. But i do very ,much appreciate your comments. Anyways, I do have a Stafford Elite TOTC Rookie Auto as well as a Johnson UD Trilogy Rookie Auto. I also have some patches, jsys and rookies of each if interested. If not, no worries.

Thank you for the affirmation. I can't say that someone who is involved in something they love doesn't have a life though. Obviously, you feel differently about your life but that can't be assumed for others. But i do very ,much appreciate your comments. Anyways, I do have a Stafford Elite TOTC Rookie Auto as well as a Johnson UD Trilogy Rookie Auto. I also have some patches, jsys and rookies of each if interested. If not, no worries.

Its not that i didnt have a life, its just that i let the hobby consume mine and i wasnt able to seperate the two. More power to the people that can but i just wasnt able to.

How much do you want for the 2 autos? I already have plenty of the other stuff lol

Sounds like you have put a lot of thought into it Gary, which is the way to go instead of the "I'm leaving the hobby" and "I'm back" and I'm leaving the hobby" gambit. Everything in life is about priorities, and sometimes things you "enjoy" can get out of hand. Things change all the time, so one has to try and adjust at times (some things easier than others), and nobody but you knows what is "right" for you at this time. I've learned to never say never though, as that can come back on you sometimes, but then that is how we learn (which is a constant process). Too much of anything (even good things) can be a problem sometimes, so just don't go extreme at first until you know that's what is meant to be for you. But like Richard said I'll get off the soapbox, as what is right for one isn't the same for anyone else. As in one of the Eastern philosophy's, enlightenment is like the highest peak, many paths to the top and the path for me won't work for everyone (and may not for me either), so everyone has to find their own way there, as the folks down the mountain telling everyone where to go (or where they are going wrong) sometimes never get to the top or further up the mountain even as they get consumed with giving directions, and they can also divert folks from the path they need to be on which is counterproductive to the scheme of things.

Best of luck Gary, sounds like you have thought it thru and it is the way you need to go , which is the right approach (look before you leap) . And if you decide to come back sometime down the road, many of us loonies will probably still be here

Dwight

TCC's Cousin Itt

Looking for former Oregon State players in NFL, Steven Jackson top priority:

Gary, sorry to hear this and glad for you. I think differently then you that if what you truly seek or beleive in is already in your heart, no building, book, etc. can change that or take it away. Yes I think I can and should do more, and sometimes I need reminded of that, especially when driving.

I don't know anything about David Platt, but I do know there have been some who preach, who talk a good game, until the true game is revealed. As I said I don't know this MAN, but an old saying goes "don't lay all your eggs in one basket". I guess what I am saying is if your motivation is for god, then make it be about god, not about a man who speaks about him.

I hope this goes as you intend and have nothing but good wishes for you in regards to this change in your life.

Gary, sorry to hear this and glad for you. I think differently then you that if what you truly seek or beleive in is already in your heart, no building, book, etc. can change that or take it away. Yes I think I can and should do more, and sometimes I need reminded of that, especially when driving.

I don't know anything about David Platt, but I do know there have been some who preach, who talk a good game, until the true game is revealed. As I said I don't know this MAN, but an old saying goes "don't lay all your eggs in one basket". I guess what I am saying is if your motivation is for god, then make it be about god, not about a man who speaks about him.

I hope this goes as you intend and have nothing but good wishes for you in regards to this change in your life.

Oh yeah, trust me, this has very little to do with David Platt the man. While I am excited about what he is teaching,i do know that what's most important is following what God is pressing on my own heart. I don't blindly follow or believe any preacher or teacher and always value doing my own research.

It's true, I of all people am stepping away from this great hobby. First I will say, this is not easy for me to even say and I still have to follow through with it. My love for this hobby is still as strong as ever, I know this process is going to hurt. I started collecting long ago when an uncle of mine owned a card shop in my local town. I have been involved in this hobby for the majority of my life, so actually going through with this is like losing a part of myself. I have never been in this hobby as a financial investment. It's always been done as another way to enjoy a sport and players I enjoy.

So you're probably asking why, why would he be leaving something he still loves and enjoyes so much? That answer can be a bit complicated or very simple, depending on how you look at it. For the past year or so I've have this thought in the back of my mind; "These cards don't matter in the bigger picture of life" and the question, "Do I value these cards more than I do the things much more important?"

At one point, I asked my wife "Do you see my card collecting as a bad thing?" and she said "No, I know you enjoy it and I see nothing wrong with it" Hearing that from here suppressed some of my feelings many months ago. Knowing that I enjoy it so much and knowing how much a part of my life it is, I continued.

Eventually, those thoughts crept back into my mind, almost to a point of conviction. Then came a clear confirmation this past Friday... I was listening to an interview between David Platt and Katie Davis (I'll explain who they are in a minute), by the end of it, the only thought I had was "I have to sell my collection, period."

If you don't know, I am a Christian, I admittedly haven't always been the best example of that throughout my time here but that is where my belief resides. With that in mind, over the past couple years, I, like many non-Christians as well, have grown very skeptical and uncomfortable with the "American Church". Now, all that is for another discussion... However, it was because of those feelings that I really began to seek out truth and tried to understand what the biblical Gospel really is (I'm still learning). In my quest, the more I learned, the more I felt it needed to change on my life. What good is it for me to learn and better understand things and not live a life that reflects that understanding?

So what does that have to do with card collecting? I see nothing inherently wrong with being involved in this hobby, not one bit. No part of me feels like card collecting is a "sin", don't think that's what I'm getting at here. With me, heres my issue... I have let this hobby get to such a place in my life where I value it more so than I do much more important things, even God. When something gets to that point in a Christians life, it's an idol, and that can't be. Another part of this is about Jesus' teachings on living a "simple" life and having a heart for giving. As I began to understand that more, I realized that all I'm doing is accumulating stuff, that's all it is, stuff. I finally realized that I struggle between how much I valued this hobby in my life, compared to how much I valued God. That is why I have to get out and why I have such a strong conviction to do so.

If you're a fellow believer in Christ, I don't know how this hits you. I am not saying you're wrong or doing anything against God for being involved in this hobby. If it's in a place in your life where you have a healthy control over it and it doesn't out-value God in your life, I see nothing wrong with it. What I will say is that, if you were asked to give this or anything for that matter, up for the sake of your faith, could you? If we have the same reaction as the "rich man" did when Jesus told him to sell all he had and then come follow him and we struggle with making that choice...then we know there's a problem. And that's where I am. I said it at the beginning of the post, walking away from this hobby is going to be painful. However, I know once I walk through this, It's going to be worth it when I come out on the other side.

Could I come back to this hobby one day? I can't answer that at this moment.

I told you earlier, I'd explain who these two people are... David Platt is the pastor of Brook Hills Church in Birmingham, AL and Katie Davis is a 23-24 year old woman from Nashville, TN who now lives in Uganda running an organization called Amazima. Platt is a man who has set out to turn the "American Church" upside down, or rather, right side up. I admire what God is doing through him and his life. Katie Davis has gone against the cultural norm, her parents desires and followed the instructions she felt God placed on her life. It's a truly amazing story and she is doing great things in the country of Uganda.

For this, I am not selling my collection as a means to gain the monetary value from it. The majority of what I bring in is going to be donated directly to Katie's organization, Amazima.

Good luck in your other ventures Gary. I highlighted a certain sentence in your post as I feel it is very important. When cards overshadow anything of importance in your life (be it God or even your family), it may be time to not necessarily leave the hobby, but at the very least to rethink your priorities. Sometimes this hobby can take control. At times I wish I could make an easy break with the hobby, although I do enjoy it.